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In an industry as demanding and competitive as the superyacht sector, the preparation and training of new crew members are paramount. Recognising a significant gap in the training landscape, Bluewater is proud to announce its partnership with Seas The Day Training, founded by Sarah Diggle. This collaboration aims to offer a unique online course specifically designed for new superyacht crew, providing them with the resources and knowledge needed to succeed in their roles.
Sarah Diggle, an experienced trainer within the industry, identified a critical need for comprehensive training that goes beyond the standard STCW and ENG1 medical courses. While these mandatory certifications are essential for safety, they often leave new crew members unprepared for the realities of life on board a superyacht. “Many crew members enter the industry with just the basics, which can lead to overwhelming situations during their trial periods,” Sarah explains. “The effects of an individual being unprepared can be catastrophic for all involved.”
To combat this issue, Sarah created a course that serves as a valuable resource for students, recruiters, maritime schools, and the yachts themselves. By providing a structured programme that can be completed from home—eliminating the need for expensive accommodation and travel—new crew members can equip themselves with the knowledge necessary to thrive in their new roles. The course also includes mental health support options, ensuring that students know they have the resources available should they need them.
Determining the course content was a collaborative effort involving accredited industry leaders within the IAMI GUEST programme. While the main structure was already established, Sarah expanded the original six-week plan into a robust, six-month development process. This thorough approach included the creation of engaging videos and the incorporation of her own career experiences.
“My training style relies heavily on storytelling, role-play, and humour—there’s no room for ‘death by PowerPoint’ here!” Sarah states. “It was a challenge to convey my personality effectively on camera, but it was essential to create a relatable learning environment.”
This course is distinguished as the only accredited online training programme for new crew members, which is critical for those entering the industry. Sarah elaborates, “The accreditation process is rigorous. It requires proof of experience as a head of department, alongside thorough audits of both the coursework and the teaching location. This ensures a professional standard that students and employers can trust.”
As the partnership between Bluewater and Seas The Day Training continues to flourish, the impact on the superyacht training landscape is already becoming evident. By providing a comprehensive resource that accommodates the diverse needs of new crew members, this initiative strengthens the foundations of the industry and enhances the prospects for future professionals.
At the end of the course, students will have the opportunity for a personal Zoom call with Sarah, where they can receive tailored recommendations for further training based on their career aspirations. This not only reinforces the supportive nature of the course but also connects students to maritime schools that can guide them in their continued development.
In a competitive industry where preparedness is crucial, the partnership between Bluewater and Seas The Day Training represents a significant advancement in the training of superyacht crew. By addressing the gaps in existing training methods and offering a comprehensive, accessible online course, this collaboration is poised to change the landscape of crew training and strengthen the superyacht industry as a whole. As more new crew members benefit from this innovative approach, the future of superyachting looks brighter than ever.
You can learn more about Seas The Day Training here.
